Medical Weight Loss – Good vs. Bad Cholesterol

There’s a significant amount of misunderstanding when it comes to cholesterol. Most people would say that high levels of cholesterol are bad for you, while there are others that would argue that some cholesterol can benefit the body, and is actually essential. In some ways, both sides to this argument are right, but only when you take the time to understand the difference between good and bad cholesterol. If you’re planning to begin a Boca Raton medical weight loss program, then knowing the differences could have a significant impact on how you look at your current health, and how you plan your diet as you begin your weight loss journey.

Defining Cholesterol

Before you even begin Boca Raton medical weight loss, you’ll take part in a consultation process, where various tests will be taken. One of these tests will be a cholesterol test. High cholesterol is often a warning sign, and it can mean that you need to make significant changes to your diet and lifestyle, which will help you to lose weight and avoid future complications including inflammation, blood clots, heart disease, and stroke.

Cholesterol itself is a wax-like substance that is produced naturally in the body, and It is also contained in some foods. With healthy levels of cholesterol, body functions perform better, and you will enjoy balanced health.

What Leads to High Levels of Bad Cholesterol?

If you’ve been told that you have problematic high cholesterol, then this means that you have excess levels of LDL (low density lipoprotein). This is also what is known as ‘bad’ cholesterol. If you have a poor diet that is rich in dairy, lard and animal fat, saturated fat, and processed animal products, then there’s a chance that your test will reveal high levels of bad cholesterol when you begin your medical weight loss program. However, genes, a sedentary lifestyle, being overweight, and even your ethnicity can have an influence on your risk of having high cholesterol levels.

Why is Good Cholesterol Different?

There’s another side of cholesterol that is not as widely understood, and that is HDL (high density lipoprotein). HDL works within the body to regulate the amount of LDL. If you have too much bad cholesterol that could lead to damage, then HDL, the ‘good’ cholesterol, will pick it up in your blood stream and take it to your liver for reprocessing.

This means that optimal levels of HDL are actually beneficial to your body, but not having enough could increase your risk of developing medical problems related to high levels of bad cholesterol. Weight loss plans in Boca Raton will help you to understand both sides of cholesterol in further detail, and you’ll also learn about different ways that can help to balance your cholesterol levels naturally, much of which can be achieved by exercising and changing your diet.

How Diet Can Raise Levels of Good Cholesterol

Simply losing weight can do wonders for your body’s ability to regulate levels of bad cholesterol, however, you can give your body even more of a boost by increasing your levels of good cholesterol by making healthy food choices. While nutrition in medical weight loss is highly specific to the individual, there are some safe changes that you can make to your diet, all of which can help to boost your good cholesterol levels. Remember, before you make any significant changes to your diet, you should always consult with your medical professional at VIP Medical Weight Loss.

These foods high in HDL are not just common, but they can also be delicious and they’ll add some variation to your regular diet.

Extra Virgin Olive Oil – This is the perfect oil for salads and cooking at low temperatures. Not only does this oil increase levels of HDL, but it will also help to reduce inflammation caused by high levels of LDL.

Whole Grain Foods – Natural whole grains can help to lower bad cholesterol in your diet, because they are high in insoluble and soluble fiber.

High Fiber Fruits – Just like whole grain foods, fruits that are high in fiber can absorb bad cholesterol from your system, while boosting levels of good HDL cholesterol.

Omega 3 Rich Fish – Omega 3 is used as an anti-inflammatory, there is evidence to suggest it improves brain function, and most importantly, it’s an excellent source of HDL. Fatty fish are better, including tuna, salmon, and sardines. Opt for fresh fish, or canned varieties that contain lower amounts of sodium.

Talk to a Boca Raton Medical Weight Loss Doctor Today

If you want to get your weight to a healthy range, eat a better diet, and lower your levels of bad cholesterol, then medically guided weight loss is one of your best options. If you’re ready to make real changes in your life that will lead to major health benefits, then talk to an expert at VIP Medical Weight Loss today.